"Me too," she whispered, thrn cleared her throat and swished her own tears away. Then she said louder, though still heavily, "I didn't even get to say goodbye. Somebody robbed me of that and I feel as though I have been lost in a bad dream and will never wake up, but then a pinch comes in the form of the child moving about. So I must be strong, as I said. I find comfort in the housework. I find joy in cooking and making this home look presentable. You may have misunderstood the situation, understandably so at that... You still gave me chances... You still tried to protect me and care for me. You and Nel are my family now. And perhaps Mister Blacke too... It would create a stir but it would be replaced by a different scandal one day, and perhaps he will prove to be a kind and loving husband. I do not know his family but for gossip I have overheard in the market, his family is used to attracting attention for their antics but they are a good family... Perhaps they would make a fine family for me to join..."

She paused and took a steadying breath and continued, "I know I don't love him... Perhaps never will... But I love my baby more each day every time I feel them moving. I would do anything to keep the child safe, even scandalize a few folk who know nothing of me."